Abstract: A spray-type dispenser for on-demand dispensing of a solid block of chemical retained within a container in the form of an aqueous chemical solution of substantially constant concentration, comprising: (i) an upwardly dispoded spray nozzle, (ii) a three-dimensional support screen for supporting the solid block of chemical above the spray nozzle, and (iii) a housing enclosing the spray nozzle and support screen; the housing and support screen defining an annular cavity. In operation, a container retaining a solid block of a water-soluble chemical is placed within the dispenser such that the support screen contacts the chemical but not the container; thereby allowing the container to descend, by force of gravity into the annula cavity as the chemical retained therein is dissolved.

Abstract: A pair of flapper valves are mounted in parallel to control the flow of a fluid into a reservoir. The flapper valves are opened by a first rotatable cam which is rotated through one or more complete revolutions when a float control switch in the reservoir is opened thereby indicating a drop in the level of fluid in the reservoir. Each complete revolution of the first cam actuates an impulse switch for a short duration. The impulse switch energizes a low speed memory motor and increments the output shaft of the motor. Each increment corresponds to one complete revolution of the first cam and, therefore, one unit of a fixed quantity of fluid passing through the valves. The output shaft of the memory motor rotates a second adjustable cam that controls the actuation of a switch which in turn controls a dispenser for dispensing a chemical additive into the fluid added to the reservoir.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dispenser for discharging a controlled quantity of cleanser into the flush tank of a toilet. The dispenser consists of a container having an open neck, a shroud which fits over the neck and restricts the discharge opening in the neck and a float member slidably connected to the shroud which has means to seal the discharge opening thereby controlling the discharge of the cleanser.

Abstract: A density compensating float is used in conjunction with a stop-fill valve for limiting the filling of a tank. The primary application of the density compensating float is for use in LPG tanks. The compensating float includes a portion thereof having graded volumetric segments which correspond to the changes in density for a particular fluid, such as propane. For a given quantity of fluid in the tank, the float has an essentially constant angular position despite variations in the density of the fluid, and therefore changes in buoyancy of the fluid, as a result of changes in temperature. Thus, fluid at any temperature can be input into the tank and the stop-fill valve will be activated when a given quantity of fluid has been received without regard to the temperature of the fluid. This provides maximum filling of the tank while limiting the fluid to the maximum safe quantity.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid chemicals, such as photoresist, from containers which includes a valve to govern the flow from the containers, a reservoir to intermediately hold the chemicals prior to pumping, and a level detector to monitor the liquid in the reservoir and to control the valve, and an aspirator to remove air from the reservoir. The aspirator is activated in response to signals from the level detector indicating that the reservoir level is low. The increased suction causes liquid to be drawn from the container into the reservoir. If after a period of time the level detector indicates the reservoir level is still low, the valve will cause liquid to be drawn from a different container. The aspirator is deactivated a period of time after the level detector indicates that the reservoir level is normal.

Abstract: A hot water supplying device is provided with a hot water supplying tank which includes first and second tank chambers. Warm water of about 85.degree. C. is stored in the first tank chamber and hot water, which is higher in temperature than the warm water in the first tank chamber, is stored in the second tank chamber. The warm water in the first tank chamber is supplied to a coffee liquid making or percolating means by a pressure pump through a guide pipe. The guide pipe is introduced, on the way, into the hot water in the second tank chamber, whereby the warm water pressure fed from the first tank chamber through the guide pipe can be further heated by the heat of the hot water in the second tank chamber, and supplied to the coffee liquid making or percolating means.

Abstract: An auto flow controller which may be used to automatically release a number of component liquids which are to be transmitted to a mixing tank without constantly having to replenish the liquid component chemicals. A sensor located in a mixing tank is equipped with sensors which commands a set of storage containers to release a predetermined quantity of liquid component chemical. This quantity may be controlled by use of level graduated sensors which control pumps or solenoids or by means of a single sensor which initiates timer equipped pumps or solenoids. A combination of these methods may be used. Pump feed, gravity feed or combination of both are utilized.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage including a source of propellant gas, a reservoir for beverage to be dispensed, one or more dispensing valves connected to the reservoir, a propellant gas conduit for applying a first gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage supply vessels and for applying a second and lesser gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage in the reservoir, a beverage supply conduit for transferring beverage from a supply vessel to the reservoir and normally closed valves in the beverage supply and gas conduits, which valves are controllable by a level sensor in the reservoir; the apparatus also features structure for automatically switching from one supply vessel to another as vessels become emptied; a method of dispensing includes the steps of providing a supply of carbonated beverage, applying a first propellant pressure upon the supply, selectively transferring beverage from the supply to a reservoir, applying a second and lesser propellant pressure upon the reservoir and dispensi

Abstract: A device for the metered release of an active ingredient from a stock container into a surrounding liquid, said device comprising a float-containing metering unit which releases a defined quantity of active ingredient when the float is raised and a release control unit which has a collecting chamber and an overflow syphon positioned in the chamber for transferring the defined quantity of active ingredient into the surrounding liquid.

Abstract: A fuel supply unit is proposed, in particular an assembly comprising a pumping element and an electromotor to drive it housed together in a common housing, which is secured in an upright position in the interior of a fuel container in such a manner that the pumping element is disposed near the bottom of the fuel container to enable aspiration of fuel from the fuel container until it is as nearly empty as possible. The pumping element has a first intake area oriented toward the bottom of the fuel container and a second intake area remote from the bottom of the fuel container, the second intake area being closable by a closure member movably disposed on the fuel supply unit whenever the fuel level in the fuel container drops below a predetermined level, so that fuel is then aspirated only via the first intake area. The closure member is actuatable by means of a floater body.

Abstract: A filling machine for supplying predetermined quantities of liquid is disclosed. The filling machine comprises a measuring chamber, a float positioned with clearance in the chamber and adapted to move up and down in at least a portion of the chamber with the level of liquid in the chamber, an abutment positioned in the chamber above the float for limiting the upper movement of the float in the chamber, and a seal adjacent the abutment for sealing against the chamber, the seal being arranged such that it can be moved into and out of sealing engagement with the chamber without disassembly of the filling machine thereby facilitating cleaning of the machine.

Abstract: An automatic intravenous flow regulator for regulating the infusion rate of a parenteral solution flowing from an intravenous fluid container to a patient. When the level of parenteral solution in the container is above a threshold level, the infusion takes place at a first flow rate. When the level of fluid in the container drops below the threshold level, fluid flow continues but at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate. The flow rate is controlled principally from outside the IV container; while in a second embodiment, the flow rate is controlled from within the IV container. Other embodiments are disclosed including one in which the initial flow rate may be adjusted; one in which the fluid is filtered prior to delivery to the patient; one in which the initial flow rate is maintained at a constant value with time, secondary flow rate remains fixed, and complete filtration of the intravenous solution being infused is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage including a source of propellant gas, a reservoir for beverage to be dispensed, one or more dispensing valves connected to the reservoir, a propellant gas conduit for applying a first gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage supply vessels and for applying a second and lesser gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage in the reservoir, a beverage supply conduit for transferring beverage from a supply vessel to the reservoir and normally closed valves in the beverage supply and gas conduits, which valves are controllable by a level sensor in the reservoir; the apparatus also features structure for automatically switching from one supply vessel to another as vessels become emptied; a method of dispensing includes the steps of providing a supply of carbonated beverage, applying a first propellant pressure upon the supply, selectively transferring beverage from the supply to a reservoir, applying a second and lesser propellant pressure upon the reservoir and dispensi

Abstract: A magnetically-operated valve has a body provided with a passageway therethrough. A piston is mounted on the body for sliding movement toward and away from a valve seat. The piston has a magnetic pole at one end. A magnet is mounted on the body for movement between a first position, at which the piston will be held in a flow-permitting position, and a second position, at which the piston will sealingly engage the seat to terminate such flow. An override mechanism may be operated to displace the piston against the repulsive forces between like poles.

Abstract: A normally-open two stage float valve for use with a suction tube leading om a vehicle fuel tank. As the fuel tank begins to run dry it is desired that the float valve close off the tank to the suction force. The valve of this invention includes a float-operated pilot valve element that equalizes forces on the opposite faces of the main valve element as the float moves through its actuation stroke. A lifting head is associated with the pilot valve element for mechanically lifting or lowering the main valve element relative to the main seat when the forces have been equalized.

Abstract: A float controlled valve syphons water out of a swimming pool cover. The syphon valve includes co-operable male and female valve members disposed for mutually relative movement to bring them into and out of mutual engagement to thereby close and open flow communication through a syphon discharge passage formed in the male member. A float body is coupled to one of the said members for effecting the engagement and disengagement in response to the level of the water in the swimming pool cover. The male valve member is tapered at the forward end to facilitate engagement with a central recess in the female member. The female member is formed of more yielding material than the male member and has a thin walled portion receiving the male member and of sufficient flexibility to envelop dirt particles at the male-female member seal.

Abstract: Shown is a portable dispensing system schematically, with a motorless carbonator of the continuous flow type shown in detail employing a needle type valve that is removable as a unit for replacement or repair and which operates in combination with a float element in the carbonator to regulate flow of gas into the carbonator in a smooth manner that also induces a smooth and efficient flow of inlet water from a pressurized supply tank of water to equal the flow rate of carbonated water being drawn from the carbonator to serve one dispensing valve alone or two at a time.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage including a source of propellant gas, a reservoir for beverage to be dispensed, one or more dispensing valves connected to the reservoir, a propellant gas conduit for applying a first gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage supply vessels and for applying a second and lesser gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage in the reservoir, a beverage supply conduit for transferring beverage from a supply vessel to the reservoir and normally closed valves in the beverage supply and gas conduits, which valves are controllable by a level sensor in the reservoir; the appartus also features structure for automatically switching from one supply vessel to another as vessels become emptied; a method of dispensing includes the steps of providing a supply of carbonated beverage, applying a first propellant pressure upon the supply, selectively transferring beverage from the supply to a reservoir, applying a second and lesser propellant pressure upon the reservoir and dispensin

Abstract: A guided-float accumulator suitable for use with a hydraulic system for an oil well blowout preventer is provided with a wing shut-off valve. Radially inwardly directed outlet parts are aimed at the bottom of the valve wing to generate unbalanced reaction forces which oppose the bernoulli effect forces caused by rapid movement of fluid through the chamber of the shut-off valve, thus preventing premature closing of the valve.

Abstract: A guided-float accumulator suitable for use with a hydraulic system for an oil well blowout preventer utilizes an array of float elements of syntactic foam material. The float elements are sequentially inserted into the pressure vessel which forms the accumulator proper, and are then manipulated from the exterior of the vessel to be interlocked into a float array.

Abstract: Shown is a horizontal model of a continuous flow motorless carbonator, which carbonates water from a pressurized source as it is drawn, with a pivoted float element connected mechanically to a gas inlet valve assembly and having an extended arm to receive impact of inlet water, the net force due to impact and weight of the float less its displacement of water, being conveyed to the gas inlet valve to control the flow of inlet gas directly, and the flow of inlet water indirectly, so that the flow rate of water equals the flow rate of carbonated water out and a constant liquid level is maintained during a draw. A vertical model with dual water inlets and a float member resting directly on a gas inlet valve and in position to receive water impact from one of the dual inlets is also shown, employing the same basic principles.

Abstract: A hot beverage vendor having a hot water tank for supplying hot water for hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, soup and chocolate. On entering the tank, water is directed by baffles to a heater in the tank adjacent the bottom of the tank where it is heated. The heated water gradually rises in the tank for flow into the open top of a relatively small collecting tank mounted inside the hot water tank above the heater. The vendor further includes apparatus operable on a vend cycle for dispensing hot water from the collecting tank for the vending of a drink, with the dispensed water being relatively rapidly replaced by heated water flowing into the collecting tank from the main part of the hot water tank.

Abstract: A dispenser for an aqueous solution of a chemical, such as potassium permanganate, that should be confined at all times encloses the chemical in a lightweight disposable jar. The dispenser is actuated by a valve that has a relatively large float on one end of a stem and a diaphragm at the other end of such stem. It is not necessary for the user of the chemical to ever remove it from the container in which it is sold.

Abstract: This combination device consists primarily of a stem with a pointed float with plate means at one end, which is freely received in an opaque walled sensing chamber, that removably receives a sensing plug, which is attached to an alerting device, for indicating the ceasing of flow, of intra-venous fluid to a patient. The pointed float also serves as a means, for easy insertion of the flow-meter stylus of the assembly, during insertion, into a bottle of intra-venous fluid. The sensing plug includes a pair of prongs, one of which, has a light emitting diode therein, and the other prong includes a photo-sensitive transistor, and the plate end of the float stem, when lowered between the prongs by low fluid level, will activate the circuitry of an alerting device.

Abstract: A liquid proportioner is disclosed which is particularly adapted for mixing medicaments or the like in the drinking water supplied to animals. The proportioner provides two separated chambers one of which contains medicament and the other which contains water. An orifice system connects each chamber to a mixing chamber. The first orifice system includes a plurality of parallel connected orifices connecting the water chamber and the mixing chamber. The second system includes a plurality of series connected orifices connecting the medicament chamber and the mixing chamber. The two liquids are maintained at substantially the same pressure. In the illustrated embodiment all of the orifices are the same size and the series connected orifice system has a hydrodynamic flow value which is substantially smaller than the hydrodynamic flow value of each of the parallel connected orifices.

Abstract: A liquid proportioning system is disclosed which operates to mix a liquid concentrate and a liquid diluent in predetermined ratios. The system includes an automatic valve to terminate the flow of concentrate in the event that an insufficient supply of diluent exists. In addition, an anti-siphoning system is disclosed for creating an anti-siphoning air bubble at the upper end of the diluent reservoir and for insuring that such air bubble is not lost in the event of leakage around the filler cap.

Abstract: A parenteral liquid administering device includes an enlarged, liquid-holding burette-type chamber for receiving measured aliquots of liquid from a source. The burette has a bottom flow aperture with a valve controlling flow through the aperture. The valve includes a buoyant float ball and a valve seat positioned about the bottom flow aperture to receive the ball, in the absence of sufficient liquid to float it, in air-tight, sealing relation. Apertured retention means are provided surrounding the ball which are proportioned to permit it to float in spaced relation from the valve seat in the presence of liquid passing through the apertured retention means.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering parenteral liquids from a parenteral fluid container which provides a sufficient quantity of parenteral liquid to be administered at a slower than normal rate so as to afford a keep-vein-open (KVO) means. The apparatus utilizes a first orifice to afford a faster flow rate than a second orifice spaced away from the first orifice. The preferred means for regulating different flow rates of fluid through the two orifices are the dimensions of the orifices and filters having different mesh sizes. When the parenteral liquid is maintained in the reservoir in contact with the first orifice with the faster flow rate, liquid will pass through both orifices at a predetermined regular rate. When liquid no longer contacts the first orifice, as when the fluid container is depleted of liquid, the second orifice then comes into effect to afford a slower rate of liquid until a new container can be supplied.

Abstract: A push-cart mounted tank body contains an annular compressed air tank encircling a coaxial brake fluid supply tank that is never under pressure in operation, superimposed on a hemispherical pressure chamber which on its flat bottom side is terminated by a flexible membrane. A float valve is provided which seals off the pressure chamber from the fluid container when it rises to its topmost position.

Abstract: A device for controlling and monitoring the level of a washing liquid in a washing unit of a printing machine which includes a wash tank having a washing liquid therein and a pickup roller mounted in the tank and rotatable in the washing liquid to lift the liquid on the surface of the roller and transfer it to a rubber blanket roller to be cleaned, comprises a control tank which is connected to the wash tank and arranged at substantially the same level as the control tank. A supply tank for the washing liquid is located above the control tank and supplies liquid into the control tank under the regulation of an electromagnetically controlled valve. The valve is switched in order to provide for flow from the supply tank into the control tank in accordance with the level in the control tank. The level of the control tank therefore maintains a level in the wash tank by virtue of the flow between the control tank to the wash tank.

Abstract: An improved disc valve in a container for dispensing liquids is disclosed. The disc valve comprises at least two upstanding posts adjacent an outlet passage in the bottom of the container and a floatable disc member with apertures near its periphery through which the posts extend. The posts further have disc-retaining stops at their upper ends. The posts position the disc and the relationship between the size of the apertures and the thickness of the posts assures the disc will seat over the outlet passage to prevent the passage of air when all the liquid has been dispensed.

Abstract: An improved spraying system for distributing a first fluid having a second fluid entrained therein, the system comprising a pair of fluid reservoirs and an improved proportioner nozzle assembly having a baffle and a deflector to facilitate mixing and directional control.

Abstract: A non-hazardous dispenser apparatus for converting powdered detergent, including those containing active chlorine, into a concentrated detergent solution for use by a washing machine. A curved screen member retainably supports a mass of powdered detergent thereabove within a generally cylindrical container configured for mounting to the side wall of a washing machine adjacent the detergent solution carrying reservoir thereof. A single spray-forming nozzle is mounted within the container and below the curved screen for directing a uniform spray of water at substantially the entire downwardly facing concave surface of the screen member. Only that detergent carried immediately above the screen member is wetted by the spray and passes in solution through the screen, after which it is collected and directed by a collecting portion of the container, into the washing machine reservoir.

Abstract: A system for converting powdered detergent in a shipping container into a concentrated detergent solution and for maintaining a predetermined volume of the solution available for use by a remotely located washing apparatus. A chassis defines a reservoir suitable for holding concentrated detergent solution and has an inlet port opening into the reservoir. A curved screen member is continuously mounted across and extends into the open mouth end of a detergent-filled container. A cradle assembly pivotally positions the container and screen in inverted position over the inlet port to the reservoir such that the curved screen retainably supports the detergent within the container. A single nozzle is mounted at the inlet port for uniformly directing a spray of solution from the reservoir against substantially the entire downwardly facing surface of the screen, dissolving a portion of the detergent carried thereby, which passes in solution through the screen and into the underlying reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus including a housing having an inlet connected to a source of pressurized liquid will flow into the housing being controlled by an inlet valve responsive to a float in the housing. Liquid in the housing is rapidly heated to boiling by means of an electrical immersion heater so that the position of the float is responsive to the elevation of the liquid-vapor interface.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for selectively dispensing heated water, cooled water, or water at ambient temperature. Water under pressure is supplied to a refrigerated reservoir by a water supply pipe having a solenoid operated valve therein. An ambient dispensing valve and a heated water tank having a dispensing valve are each in communication with said water supply pipe at a location between said valve and reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing semi-frozen beverages containing water, a flavoring syrup and carbon dioxide in which the water and flavoring syrup are delivered under a pre-set substantially constant pressure through respective water and syrup flow restrictors to a mixed beverage delivery line so that the proportions of the water and syrup in the mixed beverage are controlled by the water and beverage flow restrictors. The apparatus includes mechanism for selectively passing water under the gas pressure in a reverse direction through the syrup flow restrictor to back flush and clean the same. The apparatus also includes mechanism for automatically controlling the flow of mixed beverage to the freezing chamber and the venting of gas from the freezing chamber to maintain the liquid in the chamber at a preselected level and pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mixing metered quantities of a plurality of liquids in accurately constant proportions according to a continuous process. The apparatus comprises one storage tank for each of the liquids which must be mixed, each storage tank being provided with an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, the output of the inlet conduit and the input of the outlet conduit being axially aligned one opposite the other within the corresponding tank, each of said outlet conduits having a liquid pump and a metering orifice one of which is fixed and the other or others being micrometrically adjustable, all said liquid pumps being driven by a single and the same motive power source, each storage tank having a float therein capable of controlling an inlet valve inserted in the corresponding inlet conduit.

Abstract: A constant stream of liquid per unit of time is dispensed under normal pressure from a storage vessel by means of a metering element which is rigidly connected to a float and whose diameter is smaller than the internal diameter of the outflow pipe or tube, the vertical position of the metering element changing with the liquid level in the storage vessel.

Abstract: Improved liquid ingredient temperature control apparatus is provided for use with post-mix beverage vending machines which ensures that the beverage ingredients dispensed are maintained at desirable cool temperatures notwithstanding continual or intermittent supply replenishment of the ingredients with quantities thereof initially at ambient temperature. Removable, apertured tank partitions are employed for dividing the ingredient tanks into separate upper and lower zones in restricted partial communication so that any warm ingredients added to the upper zones thereof are prevented from freely admixing with the cool ingredients within the lower zones and thus raising the temperature of the latter. Liquid removal conduits in communication with the lower tank zones are operable to selectively draw volumes of cooled ingredients therefrom as required, thus permitting like volumes of the warm ingredients thereabove to migrate to the lower zones through the apertured tank partitions.

Abstract: An alarm system operative in conjunction with a venocylsis set which includes a drop chamber coupled to the output of a fluid bottle. The alarm system is provided with a float disposed in the drop chamber and responsive to the level of fluid pool therein. A proximity switch sensitive to the float position is removably attached to the exterior of the drop chamber to produce a switching action when the fluid level falls below a predetermined value. An alarm circuit is coupled to the proximity switch to generate a warning signal when the switching action occurs.

Abstract: A liquid administration apparatus includes a closed fluid system enabled by a double bore metering tube which leads from an intermediate sump fed by a supply container to a flow controlling float chamber. The supply container can either be of the flexible bag type or the bottle type, both commonly used for infusing physiological fluids into the circulatory system of a patient. The float chamber is movably mounted on a flow indicating scale to set calibrated rates of flow. The sump is divided into a reservoir portion and an over-flow portion by a dam and an air inlet tube projects above the dam. A liquid inlet means leads from the reservoir portion through a metering tube to the float chamber. The float chamber includes a float which is buoyed by liquid entering the float chamber and centered by splines projecting inwardly of the float chamber. The float in the float chamber functions as a valve to selectively open and close a port leading to the infusion needle of the apparatus.